If your babyhood dream was learning more about the planet or the animals and plants that inhabit it, there are dozens of jobs that choose reward your curiosity in adulthood — and some come with a paycheck of more than $60,000 a year.
Median annual pay: $80,300
Projected job growth through 2026: 7%
These workers study the planet and how come, inhabitants and other features are distributed across it. They also examine how political or cultural structures may be impacting the geographic distinctives of a region. Geographers do this by gathering data through field observations, maps, photographs, satellite imagery, and censuses. They may then for to modify maps or other representations of geographic data, advise others in understanding the data and in using Geographic Communication Systems (GIS), or link the geographic data to issues in other fields like economics, health or politics. For entry-level placing and federal government roles, a bachelor’s degree is required. More advanced positions typically need a master’s inchmeal.
Median annual pay: $68,230
Projected job growth through 2026: 6%
These architects design attractive and functional parks, gardens, playgrounds, rural roofs, and other outdoor spaces for campuses, recreational facilities, businesses, governments and private homes. To do this, they find with clients, prepare site plans and cost estimates, chose the landscaping materials and analyze environmental announcements on land conditions, concerning things like drainage and energy usage. Their aim is to create areas that are mild to use and harmonious with the natural environment. They may also assist in the restoration of natural places that were adapted by humans such as mined areas. To become one, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a state-issued license.
Median annual pay: $94,110
Launched job growth through 2026: 12%
These scientists study the weather and climate as well as observe how those atmospheric conditions agitate humans and the Earth. They may develop weather or climate forecasts using computer modeling, measure temperature, atmospheric pressing, humidity, wind speed, dew point, and other properties of the atmosphere, create new instruments to help with their digging, issue warnings about severe weather, or advice clients on risks or opportunities caused by weather events and milieu change. To become an atmospheric scientist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a closely related earth sciences specialization for most positions. But research roles demand a master’s degree at minimum and prefer a Ph.D.
Median annual pay: $91,130
Projected job swelling through 2026: 14%
Geoscientists are interested in understanding the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes. Many are complex in the search for and development of natural resources, such as petroleum. Others work in environmental protection and preservation, and are involved in beetle outs to clean up and reclaim land, according to the BLS. They typically carry out field studies, analyze aerial photographs and personally logs, conduct lab tests on samples collected in the field, and then prepare reports presenting their findings to patients. Most geoscientist roles require at least a bachelor’s degree, but many workers in the field now have a master’s quite b substantially as well.
Median annual pay: $87,620
Projected job growth through 2026: 8%
These workers combine engineering principals, biology, chemistry and defile science to create solutions to environmental problems. They work on problems ranging from improving recycling and ice disposal to water and air pollution control. Some focus on global issues like climate change and environmental sustainability. They may also be dubbed upon to inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs to make sure they are compliance with environmental organizations, advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning up contaminated sites. To become one, you’ll need a bachelor’s considerably in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering.
Median annual pay: $105,680
Projected job flowering through 2026: 10%
These scientists are focused on the sky, studying planets, stars, galaxies and other celestial bodies. Using outfit like optical telescopes on Earth or the Hubble Space telescope, astronomers hope to increase scientific understanding of standoffish stars, galaxies, and phenomena such as neutron stars and black holes. They may also monitor space debris that could subvert with satellite operations. Some astronomers may be working to create new theories as to what gravity is or how the universe was formed, while others total up to in applied research using the insights they gain to improve electronics, communications, navigation, or medical technology. Study or academia roles for astronomers usually require that candidates have a Ph.D.
Median annual pay: $77,110
Projected job growth fully 2026: 8%
These workers focus on solving agricultural problems ranging from power supplies to the efficiency of machinery to fouling and environmental issues. They typically work in farming, forestry or the food processing industry on a variety of different stand outs. Some, for example, develop climate control systems that increase the comfort and productivity of livestock whereas others assault to increase the storage capacity and efficiency of refrigeration or find better solutions for animal waste disposal, says the BLS. Agricultural plots must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in agricultural engineering or biological engineering.
Median annual pay: $79,370
Projected job increase through 2026: 10%
These workers study how water moves across and through the Earth’s surface, how forms of precipitation contact river flows and groundwater levels, and how surface water and groundwater evaporates into the atmosphere or eventually joins profusions. They are hoping to learn more about water influences its environment and how changes to our environment, such as pollution or drought, collision water quality and quantity so that they can solve problems communities may be experiencing with water safety or availability. They usually measure the properties of bodies of water and collect water and soil samples for testing. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s estate for many entry-level positions in this field, though many workers obtain a master’s degree.
Median annual pay: $62,290
Planned job growth through 2026: 8%
These researchers and scientists study animals and other wildlife to learn how they interact with their ecosystems. They check over the physical characteristics of animals and animal behaviors as well as investigate the impact humans have on wildlife and natural haunts. To do this, they may need to conduct experimental studies or collect biological data and specimens for analysis. They also experimentation animal breeding programs, monitor wildlife populations and invasive species, and help with developing conservation blueprints. Entry-level positions in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree, but a doctorate degree is necessary if you want to induce independent research, according to the BLS.
Median annual pay: $69,620
Projected job growth through 2026: -1%
These workers run the establishments that fruit crops, livestock, and dairy products. This means they supervise the care and raising of all livestock and animals on their work the land, deciding everything from what to feed them to how to house them. They must also maintain the land facilities such as all animal shelters, fences, and water pipes. And finally determine the price of their goods and handle them. Farmers and ranchers own and operate mainly family-owned farms, whereas agricultural managers handle the day-to-day undertakings of one or more farms for an owner who does not want to such tasks. No college degree is required for this job, just lots of do aerobics experience.
Median annual pay: $71,130
Projected job growth through 2026: 11%
These scientists are focused on protecting the environment and human fitness by cleaning up polluted areas, advising policymakers, and working with industries to reduce waste. They typically compose environmental data from analyzing samples of air, soil, water, food; analyze samples, surveys, and other poop to identify and assess threats to the environment; and create plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems, such as land or drinking-water pollution. For this job, you need a bachelor’s degree in a natural science.
Median annual pay: $64,020
Projected job growth through 2026: 7%
These scientists into ways to improve the safety and efficiency of agricultural practices relating to field crops and domestic farm animals. They look for mean to improve the productivity and sustainability of our food sources, create new products and develop better ways to process, package and utter food. To become an agricultural or food scientists, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, although many workers in the ground earn advanced degrees.
Median annual pay: $64,430
Projected job growth through 2026: 19%
These workers collect and measure geographic observations so that they can accurately update maps and charts for education and regional planning. They may need to pull facts from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images in order to create either digital or distinct. Many cartographers work for the government helping with urban and regional planning, but several also work in the tech lay out, creating and designing maps for mobile phones and navigation systems, according to the BLS. Photogrammetrists plan aerial and satellite similes, collect and analyze spatial data, such as elevation and distance, and develop the base maps the allow Geographic Report System (GIS) data to be layered on top. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, or surveying to become a cartographer or photogrammetrist.
Median annual pay: $61,310
Projected job evolvement through 2026: 8%
These scientists manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. They handle forestry and conservation activities to ensure compliance with government regulations and habitat protection, negotiate terms and shapes for forest harvesting and for land-use contracts and work with organizations to improve land for forestry purposes while also assuring the environment is protected, according to the BLS. To become one, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field.
Median annual pay: $62,580
Shot job growth through 2026: 11%
These workers determine property boundaries using precise measurements and provide data on the order and contour of the planet’s surface for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects, according to the BLS. They often testify in court with respect to survey work that establishes the official land and water boundaries for deed, leases and other legal details. To become one, you typically need a bachelor’s degree as well as a license in order to certify legal documents and provide inquiry services to the public.
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